ONE TEAM ONE DREAM ALABAMA STATE FOOTBALL
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SEASON PREVIEW
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He has athleticism to elude rushers and keep plays alive. We’ve been happy with what we’ve seen from him thus far and the way he’s developed in leading the team.
ONE TEAM ONE DREAM
Favor, a Southern Miss transfer, played in 12 games over two seasons for the Eagles. Last season he played in five games with three starts, completing 37-of-67 passes for 650 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
ALABAMA STATE FOOTBALL
“Favor is real mature. He understands the game, and has great maturity. He can make all the throws, and can run with the ball as well. He has athleticism as well. We’re expecting him to be a heavy contributor to our offense this season. When you have two guys that have the skill set these two have, you have to find a way to allow them to make plays. We’re thrilled about his development and look forward to those two competing.”
For each of the past three seasons, the Alabama State University football program has tied for the best record in the SWAC’s Eastern Division, earning a berth in the championship game in 2010. With that success has been three consecutive winning campaigns, achieved for the first time since 2003-05. Entering his seventh season leading his alma mater, head coach Reggie Barlow has the program positioned right where he believed it could be.
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“For our University, students and fans, it’s history in the making,” Barlow said of the 26,500-seat venue which will host six games this season. “It’s rare when you get to be involved in ‘the first time’ for a facility. It’s a blessing we’re in this position to lead the program in the first full season in our new stadium. We’re looking forward to it. It’s an unbelievable venue for football and it will be fun to have other schools come and see our stadium.”
OFFENSE
Perhaps the top position battle this fall will be at the quarterback position. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Duhart and junior transfer Arsenio Favor will compete for the starting role.
“We tried to build the program the right way, where we would be able to put consecutive years together where we are competing for the championship,” Barlow said. “I think our coaches and players have done a good job of that. Going into this season, we’re expecting the same. We’re hoping the coaches we have here and the players we have in the program will again put us in position to compete for a championship at the end of the season.”
Duhart played in seven games last season, completing 29-of-42 passes for 288 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Showing great poise when called upon to play, Duhart threw a touchdown pass on his first collegiate drive and earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors after passing for 192 yards (22-of-31) with two touchdowns and no interceptions in leading Alabama State to a come-from-behind win at Prairie View.
The program will also play its first full season in New ASU Stadium, a sparkling new $62 million stadium which opened Thanksgiving Day 2012.
“Duhart has been in the system for a few years now and has a really good grasp of the offense,” Barlow said. “We know he’s a pinpoint passer.
2013 Alabama State Football Media Guide
2012 first-team All-SWAC performer and Newcomer of the Year Isaiah Crowell returns after rushing for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns. “Isaiah is a guy that can run with power and speed, and catch the ball out of the backfield,” said Barlow of the junior who also caught 11 passes for 95 yards. “He’s good in pass protection and has been real committed to the offseason program. He has a real vision for the things he wants to achieve this season, going over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s been working hard and it’s great to have a guy like that coming back.” Malcolm Cyrus (459 yards, 5 TDs), Andre Kincey and Jahaad Coleman also add key depth at the position. Nehemiah Henry (20 rec., 316 yds, 1 TD in 2011), Marcus Gamble (24 rec., 116 yards in ’12),and DeMario Bell (10 rec., 318 yds, 3 TDs) lead a versatile wide receiver corp. “Our receiver group is a great mixture of size, speed and explosiveness,” Barlow said. “Nehemiah has done some great things in the program. Getting him back with his route running and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands gives us a top-notch threat. Marcus is very savvy, a good route runner who has size and speed and
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